I don’t agree with @ragingloli . On local candidates, about whom I know nothing, I look to the endorsements for guidance. I recognize people whose views I have known for many years and vote with them.
I suspect there other people, who haven’t had the time or inspiration to do their homework, who vote with a newspaper with whom they have agreed.

I think it funny, in the same way I find humour in the fact that Romney is trailing badly in MA, a state where he allegedly did so much good, and that elected Scott Brown (a Republican) to Congress. Say what you will, MA isn’t as “Blue” as many hardcore Republicans would make you think. However, I don’t think it will really affect anything, other than giving comedians more material for their act.

As someone who works in, and is familiar with, Salt Lake City, I would be surprised if the Salt Lake Tribune didn’t endorse Obama.

Salt Lake City is the most left-leaning city in the state. Salt Lake has had a Democrat as mayor since 1976. Take a look at the way the congressional districts are split up. Each takes a section of Salt Lake and counterbalances it with a large rural section. Why? An attempt to make sure the Republicans outweigh the Salt Lake Democrats. Even then, Jim Matheson (D) has represented the 2nd district since 2001.